Another Blast From The Past

Paul McCartney has made a name as the most successful of all of the Beatles, after their break-up in 1970. Not that the others weren't, but if you ask me, he was by far the one with the most talent.

Many of us remember the songs he made famous in the post-Beatles era with his band called Wings. I doubt anyone could forget tunes like Maybe I'm Amazed, Silly Love Songs, Live And Let Die, or the many other hits he crafted with his wife Linda (and former Moody Blues lead guitarist and singer, Denny Laine).

But in my humble opinion, his best work came after that period. Not that the Beatles and Wings weren't good mind you, but his experience working with other highly talented musicians has finally come to fruition; and it shows in these masterful pieces.

So this weekend PYY features some of his more obscure, recent work.

One such song is from his 1993 release Off The Ground and the song is a spectacular blend of music and songwriting. Here is the live version of Hope Of Deliverance (turn this one up, you may even want to listen to this one twice):



Next up is a song from 1998's Flaming Pie release; it, too, is the live version and features only three instruments. But do not let that dissuade you from listening to it. It's musical art in its purest form and was featured in a movie by the same title. Here is Vanilla Sky:



From the same album comes a song so good that if the Beatles were still together, you would wonder if this is what they'd sound like, today. And why wouldn't it? George Martin produced it. Also, in the video, you'll notice a certain drummer that makes it so. See if you can guess who it is, as he doesn't show up until towards the end (hint, he's not the young one you see occasionally). Here is Beautiful Night:



I was able to see Sir Paul in concert a few years back (2002, I think). It was truly an experience I will never forget and probably the best show I have ever seen in my life. And I say this knowing I have seen some damned good shows, in my day. Just before the opening of the concert, the energy level was so high with expectation building up from the moment you knew he was about to come out. Just his mere shadow was enough to bring an air of intense anticipation. And let me say emphatically, he did not disappoint.

Here is his opening song on that tour, it needs no introduction:



Enjoy.